How easing people into a space with a simple question can lead to genuine connection and a gentle spotlight.

Alongside hearing about people’s work and making space for discussion and conversation, icebreaker questions have become an integral part of our Amps Breakfasts—the weekly digital gatherings where our network comes together to connect with others who are invested in the positive impact of creativity on Dundee. Built into our intros, they ensure that we collectively hear everyone’s voice during the hour—even if they’re just sharing their favourite ice cream flavour! These questions help set the tone of our events, and give everyone the opportunity to take the floor with less pressure or expectation to perform, whilst giving us a little insight into each other’s thoughts, likes and lives. One of our Amps even made a celebratory mini-zine about them.

Coming up with a good icebreaker question takes care. Everyone should feel able to respond—the question doesn’t assume we’ve all shared the same experiences, and there’s no right or wrong answer. It shouldn’t be intimidating, nor poke to reveal anything too personal—someone should be able to share as much or as little as they like. Originality is nice (we haven’t yet asked people to choose between flight or invisibility) but there’s no harm in relying on easy options (“Dogs or cats? Tea or coffee?”) when folks are willing to be creative. Something that sparks more than one word in response makes for a joyous hint at someone’s personality, but something that prompts a lengthy story leaves less time for others to share. Then there’s making sure your query isn’t too strenuous for an early start—not everyone wants to get philosophical at 9am in the morning!

At the time of publishing this blog, we’ve hosted 84 online Amps Breakfasts since March 2020—which means we’ve gone through a whole lot of icebreaker questions! Here’s a sample of 25 of our favourites. Maybe you can use them the next time you need to break the ice in a digital or physical space.

Take your pick!

• What’s your favourite walk to take?
• What was your first job?
• Are you an early bird or a night owl?
• What type of weather do you hate the most?
• What’s a language you’d like to learn?
• If you were a potato, what way would you like to be cooked?
• What kind of pie is your favourite?
• What’s a pub quiz category that would make you think “now’s my time to shine”?
• Would you rather gain an extra hour each day or an extra day each month?
• What’s your preferred way to switch off from working?
• What’s your favourite thing about where you live?
• When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
• What’s your karaoke song?
• Do you collect anything?
• What’s the worst haircut you’ve ever had?
• What’s a superstition or tradition you observe?
• We’re starting a band; what will you play?
• What’s one thing you do to re-energise yourself?
• What’s your favourite dish to cook?
• How many times do you hit snooze in the morning?
• What’s your most memorable Hallowe’en costume?
• What’s your favourite season?
• When you’re having a tough day, what’s one thing you can rely on to cheer you up?
• What’s one thing you’d like more of and one thing you’d like less of this year?
• What’s a sound that brings you joy?

This blog is one of several celebrating Two Years of Virtual Amps Breakfasts. Breakfast is a weekly opportunity that brings together supporters of Creative Dundee’s Amps network to chat and connect. New faces are always welcome—join Amps and come along!